1808 $2 1/2 VF30 NGC. Breen-6125, BD-1, R.4. As early as
1807, there were concerns about Mint Chief Engraver Robert Scot's
"health," for which read "poor eyesight." John Reich was hired as
assistant engraver, no doubt over the strenuous objections of the
older artisan. Mint Director Robert Patterson tasked the younger
engraver with a total redesign of U.S. coinage, a direct insult,
whether intended or not, to Scot. The coins that first drew his
attention were the workhorses of the silver and gold denominations,
the half dollar and half eagle. The Capped Bust, Lettered Edge half
dollars made their debut in 1807, as did the Capped Bust to Left
half eagles. In 1808 Reich redesigned the quarter eagle along the
same lines, but while the larger-mintage half eagles were produced
yearly from 1807 to 1812, the Capped Bust to Left quarter eagle was
a one-year type coin, as quarter eagles were produced again only in
1821, with a new design.
The 1808 quarter eagle is well-known to collectors as a difficult,
elusive, and in-demand type, along with its close cousin, the 1796
No Stars quarter eagle. The small emission of 2,710 quarter eagles
represents the sole appearance of Reich's design on the quarter
eagle, and is responsible for the ceaseless demand for the issue
from date and type collectors.
This midgrade circulated specimen may fill some fortunate
collector's want list, as it is a problem-free example of the type.
The greenish-gold surfaces still show some contrast between the
fields and devices, with muted luster present. There are, of
course, a few light contact marks on each side, but no distracting
scrapes or abrasions. The piece displays the usual die
state, with an obverse die crack through the rear peak of
the cap, continuing over the cap to the left, and through all stars
on the right. Expect fierce bidding on this piece, and act
accordingly.From The John Stimson, Sr. Collection, Part One.(Registry
values: P8) (NGC ID# 25FD, PCGS# 7660)